Lions 2013: I feel 'horrendous' for finger-pointing try celebration at Australia's Will Genia, admits George North

British and Irish Lions wing George North has admitted to feeling "horrendous"
at his finger-pointing celebration towards Australia scrum-half Will Genia
as he scored his wonder try during last weekend's first-Test victory in
Brisbane.

Finger pointing: George North makes his gesture to Will GeniaPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

North's gesture to Genia, as he touched down for a first-half try from a 65-metre break, attracted criticism from supporters on social media and he was also spoken to about the incident by Lions tour manager Andy Irvine.

The 21 year-old, whose emotions were understandably high having made a remarkable recovery from a hamstring injury that had threatened to rule him out of the first Test, revealed today that he apologised afterwards to Genia.

"I had a few words spoken to me from various people," said North when asked if he had been fined or spoken to by Irvine.

"I've apologised. I can't really explain what I did, I just got caught up in the whole emotion of it all.

"Looking back I do feel horrendous for doing it and I'll need to live with that. I'll take it on the chin.

"I had big words from Andy. Rugby is a gentleman's game and that shouldn't be involved, Andy said that to me."

North, who was narrowly denied a second try moments later when a heavy tackle by Israel Folau just pushed his elbow onto the touchline as he grounded the ball, revealed his celebration had also been noted by his team-mates.

"I knew that straight away and once I did it, it is very difficult to explain your emotions when you've just scored a try but I know I was out of line in terms of sportsmanship and rugby and I feel terrible about that and I have taken a lot of stick from the boys about doing it."

North, meanwhile, has also revealed there is a "good feeling" in the camp ahead of the second Test, with the opportunity to clinch the Test series.

"We have got a great chance of finishing it off and we can't wait for that challenge, the boys are really excited."

While the Lions are sure to bring North into the game as often as possible, given his game-breaking running threat, his defence against Australia's new-found hero Folau, who scored twice in the first half against the tourists in Brisbane, will also be key.

"He's difficult - he is a big goose, he's a running threat and he is good in the air and difficult to read. We saw that at the weekend and we need to make sure he doesn't do it again.

"We are very aware of him. Rugby Union is the sport where his skills from AFL with the high ball and the hard running (from rugby league) come into play. There are more aspects to that but from what I have seen I've been very impressed by him."